Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
The marble facade of Santa Maria Novella is one of the most harmonious examples of early Renaissance architecture in Florence, with its geometric inlaid patterns, classical proportions, and the striking upper section designed by Leon Battista Alberti. Shoot from the piazza directly in front to capture the full facade, using a wide angle lens to take in the entire composition while keeping your lines straight. Early morning gives you the softest, most even light on the white and green marble, and the piazza is nearly empty before the tourist crowds arrive. The obelisks flanking the square can serve as foreground framing elements, and a slightly lower angle emphasizes the verticality of the facade. Overcast days work surprisingly well here, eliminating harsh shadows in the carved details. The interior is also worth bringing a wide angle lens for, as the nave's forced perspective was designed to create an illusion of greater depth. (Florence, Tuscany, Italy)
